Boblo Island Steamers - 1990

The steamers COLUMBIA (1902) and Ste. CLAIRE (1910) were constructed to ferry passengers between downtown Detroit, MI and the amusement park on Boblo Island in the Detroit River and remained in that service until they were retired in 1991, shortly before the park closed. Both vessels are equipped with a single triple-expansion engine and a passenger capacity of about 2500. Various organizations have so far unsuccessfully attempted to reactive the old ships but efforts continue.

[@michelleseidl6667]

I love it and sure do miss it i will cherish those moments and memories for ever

[@albertmyers7176]

Great vid thanks....sure do miss Boblo

[@cth0211]

I loved watching the engine operate

[@janiechamplin8524]

what a great sight to see the boblo boats sailing!

[@jimcole2648]

That boat ride to the rides was a great addition to my life. Great memories. Wish they would bring it back.

[@williamworden5864]

"On the steamer Columbia" is followed by engine room scenes on the Ste. Claire.

[@RexStewartoriginals]

It pleases me to enclounter individuals who still respect the by-gone days of leisure travel. With so much happening in the world, it's nice to reminence on the 'quieter' times; inpart, with a trip on the river.
I have been fortunate to replicate these vessels in miniature for those who desired such a moment behind glass. I thank the person who coined the idea, the company that built the vessel, and the people who kept the tradition. Kudos.

[@jdoveist]

Many memories of being on that boat.

[@michelleseidl6667]

I've loved the boblo boat's and the Island so many memories I will never forget including when I got to steer the boat all the way to the Island I was very happy and lucky and plus meeting captian boblo I will miss it but I will keep the memories forever in my 💓

[@ABfromWindsor]

The good old days.

[@josephcheeseinthepie6915]

My mother remembers being on the Boblo boats, and dancing to the music that was played on there. Now, the Ste. Claire, one of the two surviving Boblo Island boats, is destroyed by flames. :-( 7/6/2018

[@traceymarshall3390]

Good times. It would be great for moonlight cruises.

[@michelleseidl6667]

Wonderful memories of the boblo boats and the island

[@michelleseidl6667]

I wonderful memories of boblo island and the board to the ss st Clair went up in flames but boblo Island is gone but never forgotten

[@mmichaelc]

Thank you for posting this GREAT videos of both ships. Do you have anymore video's of either the island or the boats? Thanks

[@itzjustbryan123]

2:13

[@aaronchandler2380]

they should use them now to take people to cedar Point.

[@TheMrLebaron]

There are no steamers left on the lakes outside of the SS Badger. And the Ste Claire burned down to th e Metal frame a few months ago, the Columbia is being turned into a Muesuem

[@chugginbeers]

Ewwww, definitely not from detroit

[@loydkline4686]

Columbia boblo is in buffalo , ny

[@michelleseidl6667]

Here's a quick question if captain boblo was driving ss Columbia then who was driving ss St Claire??

[@boataxe4605]

Captain low Bob.